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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 15th June 2026 as an accurate record.
RESOLVED: 1. To approve the Council’s Procurement Strategy 2026 – 2030, which has been updated to reflect the latest requirements of the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act 2023; and 2. To provide delegated authority to the Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director for Corporate Resources to make minor changes necessary to ensure ongoing legislative compliance.
RESOLVED: Revenue 1. To note and agree the General Fund revenue outturn position of the Council as at the 31st March 2026 (Section 2 of the Executive Summary). 2. To approve the virements listed in Sections 2a - g of the Executive Summary that exceed the £0.100M threshold as per the Council's Financial Procedure Rules. Capital 3. To note the capital outturn position of the Council as at the 31st March 2026 (Sections 3a – g of the Executive Summary); 4. To note the details of the Treasury Management Prudential Indicators as at the 31st March 2026 (Section 3h of the Executive Summary). Corporate Plan Well-Being Objectives 5. To note the year-end evaluations of the Council’s Corporate Plan well-being objectives (Sections 5 a – d of the Executive Summary) and a year-end position statement of the Corporate Plan cross-cutting priority of ‘A Well-Run Council’ (Section 5e).
RESOLVED: 1. To consider the contents of the final Education Strategic Plan 2026-2030; 2. To approve the contents of the amended Education Strategic Plan 2026-2030; and 3. To the publication in both Welsh & English of the Education Strategic Plan 2026-2030
RESOLVED: 1. To note the content of the Annual Report 2024-2025.
RESOLVED: 1. To approve the submission of a new Expression of Interest in respect of Rhondda Heritage Park to the National Lottery Heritage Fund; 2. To the Council committing approximately £210,000 (to be available up to March 2028) to fund the Stage 1 Development Phase, subject to a positive response to the EOI; and 3. To note that progression to the Stage 2 Delivery Phase would be subject to a further Cabinet decision.
RESOLVED: 1. To note the feedback from the Members of the Community Services Scrutiny Committee and from public consultation in relation to the Strategy; and 2. To approve the new Library Strategy for Rhondda Cynon Taf 2026 – 2030.
RESOLVED: 1. To approve the Flood Action Plan 2026-28; 2. To note the findings of the ‘Two-Year Progress Review of the Council’s 2024-26 Flood Action Plan’, which was presented to the Climate Change, Prosperity & Frontline Services Scrutiny Committee on 15 June 2026. and 3. To support the continued delivery of the Council’s rolling programme of flood risk management activity, in line with the priorities set out within the updated 2026-28 Action Plan.
The Cabinet Member for Social Care declared the following personal interest in respect of Item 7 of the agenda (Rhondda Heritage Park – National Heritage Lottery Fund Application): “I am a member of Friends of Rhondda Heritage Park”.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 15th June 2026 as an accurate record.
The Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 15th June 2026 as an accurate record.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To approve the Council’s Procurement Strategy 2026 – 2030, which has been updated to reflect the latest requirements of the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act 2023; and 2. To provide delegated authority to the Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director for Corporate Resources to make minor changes necessary to ensure ongoing legislative compliance.
The Head of Operational Procurement provided Cabinet with a copy of the updated Procurement Strategy 2026 - 2030 for review, comment and approval. The officer explained how the priorities for the Council’s Procurement Service had changed significantly over recent years and sought to provide the Cabinet with the Council’s intended approach to meet the requirements alongside a detailed action plan that sets out how the Council will ensure compliance. The Cabinet Member for Resources, Customer and Energy (Resources) thanked the officer for bringing forward the proposed strategy. The Cabinet Member was content with the strategy, and particularly the socially responsible procurement objectives, which include increased opportunities for local businesses, prompt payment, promotion of the Welsh Language and action to reduce the Council’s Carbon Footprint. The Cabinet Member noted that the strategy is a live document and would be reviewed on an annual basis. The Deputy Leader also voiced her support for the recommendations contained within the report and the Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To approve the Council’s Procurement Strategy 2026 – 2030, which has been updated to reflect the latest requirements of the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act 2023; and 2. To provide delegated authority to the Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director for Corporate Resources to make minor changes necessary to ensure ongoing legislative compliance.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: Revenue 1. To note and agree the General Fund revenue outturn position of the Council as at the 31st March 2026 (Section 2 of the Executive Summary). 2. To approve the virements listed in Sections 2a - g of the Executive Summary that exceed the £0.100M threshold as per the Council's Financial Procedure Rules. Capital 3. To note the capital outturn position of the Council as at the 31st March 2026 (Sections 3a – g of the Executive Summary); 4. To note the details of the Treasury Management Prudential Indicators as at the 31st March 2026 (Section 3h of the Executive Summary). Corporate Plan Well-Being Objectives 5. To note the year-end evaluations of the Council’s Corporate Plan well-being objectives (Sections 5 a – d of the Executive Summary) and a year-end position statement of the Corporate Plan cross-cutting priority of ‘A Well-Run Council’ (Section 5e).
The Director of Financial Services and Transformation provided Cabinet Members with an overview of the Council’s performance, both from a financial and operational perspective, for the financial year ended 31st March 2026. The Cabinet Member for Resources, Customer and Energy (Resources) took the opportunity to thank the Director for the comprehensive report, which she felt clearly highlighted the breadth of work throughout the Council. The Cabinet Member noted that there were many areas to be celebrated, with staff from all areas of the Council contributing. The Cabinet Member gave particular emphasis to the ongoing prioritisation of frontline delivery. Referring to the significant budget demands experienced in areas of the Council, the Deputy Leader echoed the comment around the prioritisation of frontline services and took the opportunity to pay tribute to frontline staff who had worked through extremely hot conditions over the last few weeks and continued to deliver services to a high standard. The Leader spoke of the budget position coming in so close and commented that this reflected the hard work of officers and their prudent management. The Leader added that RCT remained in a very good position moving forward, which would allow the Council to continue its investment into services. The Cabinet RESOLVED: Revenue 1. To note and agree the General Fund revenue outturn position of the Council as at the 31st March 2026 (Section 2 of the Executive Summary). 2. To approve the virements listed in Sections 2a - g of the Executive Summary that exceed the £0.100M threshold as per the Council's Financial Procedure Rules. Capital 3. To note the capital outturn position of the Council as at the 31st March 2026 (Sections 3a – g of the Executive Summary); 4. To note the details of the Treasury Management Prudential Indicators as at the 31st March 2026 (Section 3h of the Executive Summary). Corporate Plan Well-Being Objectives 5. To note the year-end evaluations of the Council’s Corporate Plan well-being objectives (Sections 5 a – d of the Executive Summary) and a year-end position statement of the Corporate Plan cross-cutting priority of ‘A Well-Run Council’ (Section 5e).
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To consider the contents of the final Education Strategic Plan 2026-2030; 2. To approve the contents of the amended Education Strategic Plan 2026-2030; and 3. To the publication in both Welsh & English of the Education Strategic Plan 2026-2030
The Director of Education and Inclusion Services updated the Cabinet on the outcome of the consultation on the draft Education Strategic Plan for 2026-2030 and sought Cabinet approval of the publication of the amended Education Strategic Plan for 2026-2030. The Cabinet Member for Education and Young People took the opportunity to thank the Director for presenting the robust plan and the Education and Inclusion Scrutiny Committee for their extensive feedback. The Cabinet Member stated that education remained a top priority for the Council and felt that the extensive plan before the Cabinet highlighted the priorities. The Cabinet Member described the plan as a clear building block from the Council’s positive Estyn inspections and the previous Strategic Plan and was pleased to note the areas identified to improve upon, including a more collaborative and school-to-school working model and efforts to overcome inequalities at the earliest opportunity. With the agreement of the Leader, County Borough Councillor Lisles addressed the Cabinet in respect of this item. The Director thanked the Councillor for her carefully considered comments and sought to address the four areas that had been highlighted throughout the consultation, that the Councillor did not feel had been addressed within the proposed plan. In terms of strengthening references to USW in the plan, the Director hoped to be in a position to further such discussions in the near future following a meeting with the new Director at the university. In terms of the point made about the ongoing difficulties for parents and carers navigating the complex ALN system and the lack of reference to systems generated trauma within the plan, the Director advised that steps had been taken to strengthen some of the wording within the strategy to demonstrate the Council’s commitment to adjusting and improving its systems and processes, which is a direct result of systems generated trauma. The Director advised that although ‘systems generated trauma’ had not directly been referenced, the plan had sought to demonstrate what the Council was trying to achieve from a strategic level in terms of its systems and processes to improve that. The Director added that this would then feed through to more detailed service delivery plans. Furthermore, the Head of School Organisation and WESP responded to the Councillor’s comments regarding Strategic Priority 4, including community benefit metrics, performance indicators for new facilities, and active travel outcomes linked to the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme. The officer explained that the Strategic Plan was supported by a range of underlying delivery plans and that extensive work was undertaken to monitor and evaluate the Programme. This included compliance with Welsh Government requirements and post-occupancy evaluations covering matters such as energy consumption, maintenance costs, attendance data and solar energy performance. Assurance was provided that appropriate programme management, performance monitoring and compliance arrangements were in place, although the operational detail underpinning these activities was not considered suitable for inclusion within the Strategic Plan itself. In relation to active travel, the officer explained that active travel requirements formed part of the wider programme delivery process and were considered through planning conditions, project design and community engagement activities. Members were advised that further work was planned in this area, including the appointment of a new Project Officer to support partnership working, establish stakeholder groups and further develop the active travel agenda. The Cabinet Members were supportive of the recommendations contained within the report and it was RESOLVED: 1. To consider the contents of the final Education Strategic Plan 2026-2030; 2. To approve the contents of the amended Education Strategic Plan 2026-2030; and 3. To the publication in both Welsh & English of the Education Strategic Plan 2026-2030
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To note the content of the Annual Report 2024-2025.
Cabinet received a report from the Council’s 14–19 Future Pathways Officer outlining the Council’s statutory responsibility to establish and maintain a Standing Advisory Council on Religion, Values and Ethics (SAC) and a Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE). The report also provided an update on the current constitution and membership of the Rhondda Cynon Taf SACRE and SAC, together with the Annual Report covering the 2024–2025 academic year. The Cabinet Member for Education and Young People thanked officers, members of SACRE and SAC for their work and contribution throughout the year. The Cabinet Member noted the assurances provided within the annual report and was satisfied that the local authority was meeting its statutory obligations. The Deputy Leader referred to vacancies identified within Appendix 1 and asked what action was being taken to increase membership and fill outstanding positions. In response, the officer advised that regular engagement was undertaken with faith groups across the community to encourage representation on SACRE, and opportunities to join were actively promoted and discussed at meetings. It was also noted that there were vacancies within the Council Member representation, which remained to be filled. Members were encouraged to put forward expressions of interest or suggest faith groups that may wish to participate. The Deputy Leader advised that she would email the officer with a recommendation for one of the vacancies. The Leader, having previously served on SACRE, commented that the committee was proactive in seeking to recruit new members and thanked officers for their ongoing efforts in this regard. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To note the content of the Annual Report 2024-2025.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To approve the submission of a new Expression of Interest in respect of Rhondda Heritage Park to the National Lottery Heritage Fund; 2. To the Council committing approximately £210,000 (to be available up to March 2028) to fund the Stage 1 Development Phase, subject to a positive response to the EOI; and 3. To note that progression to the Stage 2 Delivery Phase would be subject to a further Cabinet decision.
The Visitor Experiences Operations Manager presented a report seeking Cabinet approval to recommence the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NHLF) application process for Rhondda Heritage Park following the expiry of the previous Expression of Interest (EOI) in May 2024. Members were advised that the report proposed the submission of a new EOI to the NHLF and sought approval for the Council to commit the resources and funding required to progress a Stage 1 Development Phase Application, should the EOI receive a positive response. The proposed application would support the ongoing development and future sustainability of Rhondda Heritage Park. The Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Leisure (Culture, Leisure and Tourism) welcomed the report and thanked officers for bringing it forward. The Cabinet Member noted that the Rhondda Heritage Park was a significant visitor attraction with a strong reputation, evidenced by recent achievements including a recent TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award for 2026 and Visit Wales accreditation. It was acknowledged that the site played an important role within the Council’s wider heritage strategy and that opportunities to secure external investment and build on its success should continue to be explored. The Cabinet Member for Education and Young People spoke of her attendance at the unveiling of the Elizabeth Andrew statue at Rhondda Heritage Park and praised the staff for their professionalism and commitment. Recognition was given to the way in which staff managed the challenging conditions during the heatwave, ensuring the comfort and wellbeing of attendees. The Cabinet Member expressed pride in being involved and thanked officers for their efforts. The Cabinet Member for Social Care expressed strong support for the report, reflecting on his family’s mining heritage and the significance of Rhondda Heritage Park as a lasting reminder of the County Borough’s industrial past. Members heard that the site, formerly Lewis Merthyr Colliery, played a pivotal role in the development of the Rhondda and continues to preserve and share the history, culture and identity of the area’s mining communities. The Cabinet Member highlighted the importance of the attraction as both a heritage asset and a major tourist destination and welcomed the Council’s continued commitment to its development and preservation. The Cabinet Member for Environment and Capital Infrastructure (Highways and Capital Infrastructure) supported the recommendations contained within the report and thanked staff at the Rhondda Heritage Park for their work and commitment. It was noted that, following a period during which the future of the site had been uncertain, significant Council investment had helped modernise facilities and improve the visitor experience. Recognition was given to the management team and officers for their role in driving improvements and enhancing the attraction’s reputation. The Cabinet Member noted that the proposed bid would support both essential structural improvements and the continued modernisation of the site, and spoke of the importance of preserving the stories and experiences of former miners. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To approve the submission of a new Expression of Interest in respect of Rhondda Heritage Park to the National Lottery Heritage Fund; 2. To the Council committing approximately £210,000 (to be available up to March 2028) to fund the Stage 1 Development Phase, subject to a positive response to the EOI; and 3. To note that progression to the Stage 2 Delivery Phase would be subject to a further Cabinet decision.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To note the feedback from the Members of the Community Services Scrutiny Committee and from public consultation in relation to the Strategy; and 2. To approve the new Library Strategy for Rhondda Cynon Taf 2026 – 2030.
The Council’s Area Library Manager presented the report seeking Cabinet approval of the Rhondda Cynon Taf Library Strategy 2026–2030. Members were advised that the Strategy had been developed in accordance with Welsh Government Library Standards and had been subject to a public consultation exercise between 20 March 2026 and 1 May 2026. The Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Leisure (Culture, Leisure and Tourism) thanked officers for the work undertaken in developing the Strategy and acknowledged the contribution of library staff, whose commitment helped ensure that libraries remained accessible, welcoming and inclusive spaces within local communities. The Cabinet Member welcomed the positive feedback received through the public consultation and the valuable comments provided by the Community Services Scrutiny Committee, particularly regarding the approachability and helpfulness of library staff. It was recognised that, at a time when some Local Authorities were reducing investment in library services, RCT Council remained committed to supporting and developing its library provision. The Cabinet Member highlighted the important role libraries played as community hubs, including supporting digital inclusion and providing accessible services for residents. The Deputy Leader also welcomed the Strategy and thanked the Community Services Scrutiny Committee for its support and contribution to the development of the key priorities. The Deputy spoke of the important role libraries play in supporting residents who may be experiencing social isolation or loneliness and recognised the value of local library provision to communities across the County Borough. The Deputy highlighted the continued success of local library facilities and welcomed initiatives within the Strategy aimed at promoting inclusion, digital participation and community engagement, including the reintroduction of Digital Fridays and ongoing heritage-related projects. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To note the feedback from the Members of the Community Services Scrutiny Committee and from public consultation in relation to the Strategy; and 2. To approve the new Library Strategy for Rhondda Cynon Taf 2026 – 2030.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To approve the Flood Action Plan 2026-28; 2. To note the findings of the ‘Two-Year Progress Review of the Council’s 2024-26 Flood Action Plan’, which was presented to the Climate Change, Prosperity & Frontline Services Scrutiny Committee on 15 June 2026. and 3. To support the continued delivery of the Council’s rolling programme of flood risk management activity, in line with the priorities set out within the updated 2026-28 Action Plan.
With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, the Flood and Risk Manager presented Cabinet with the updated Flood Action Plan for the 2026-2028 period and sought approval for its adoption. The Cabinet Member for Environment and Capital Infrastructure (Highways and Capital Infrastructure) thanked the Flood Risk Management Team for their work in developing and delivering the Flood Risk Management Strategy and the extensive flood alleviation programme across the County Borough. Recognition was given to the significant level of investment secured and the positive reputation of the Council’s Flood Risk Management service, including its contribution to wider Welsh Government flood risk initiatives. The Cabinet Member noted the substantial investment made since Storm Dennis in 2020 and acknowledged the ongoing commitment to reducing flood risk through a range of interventions, including culvert improvements and the construction of flood retention basins. Reference was made to current and planned schemes across the County Borough, including major projects that would be delivered over a number of years with support from Welsh Government funding. It was recognised that, while flooding could not be entirely prevented, the Strategy sought to mitigate and reduce risk to as many properties and communities as possible. With the agreement of the Leader, County Borough Councillor C Lisles addressed the Cabinet on this item of business. The Cabinet Member for Environment and Capital Infrastructure (Public Spaces) endorsed the comments made by previous speakers and thanked officers for their continued hard work and commitment in delivering flood risk management measures across the County Borough. The Cabinet Member spoke of the significant challenges presented by the 62 storm events experienced over the previous two years and recognised the extensive efforts undertaken to support and protect local communities. In terms of comments made around a maintenance plan, the Cabinet Member for Environment and Capital Infrastructure (Highways and Capital Infrastructure) noted that responsibility for damage to private properties rests primarily with property owners and their insurers, and that affected residents should follow the appropriate insurance and claims processes. It was explained that the Council’s primary responsibility during flood recovery is to ensure that highways and public areas are made safe and accessible as quickly as possible. While assistance may be provided in exceptional circumstances, particularly during significant flooding events affecting multiple properties, any support is considered on a case-by-case basis. The Deputy Leader sought clarification regarding responsibility for river flooding and noted that, while the Council had undertaken significant work in this area, the primary responsibility rested with Natural Resources Wales. The Deputy reflected on the positive impact of flood alleviation measures within the Rhydyfelin area and highlighted the devastating effects that flooding could have on residents and communities. While acknowledging the importance of continued investment in flood risk management, it was emphasised that it was not possible to eliminate flood risk entirely and that efforts were focused on reducing and managing risk where possible. The Deputy spoke of the importance of preparedness, community resilience and effective communication with residents in areas vulnerable to flooding. It was recognised that local residents, community groups, landlords and property owners all had a role to play in responding to flood risks, supported by the Council and its partner organisations. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To approve the Flood Action Plan 2026-28; 2. To note the findings of the ‘Two-Year Progress Review of the Council’s 2024-26 Flood Action Plan’, which was presented to the Climate Change, Prosperity & Frontline Services Scrutiny Committee on 15 June 2026. and 3. To support the continued delivery of the Council’s rolling programme of flood risk management activity, in line with the priorities set out within the updated 2026-28 Action Plan.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
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